Social Impact Assessment in the Extractives: Critical Perspectives

In this module, you will situate the role and practice of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) in the context of global resource extraction industries and examine some of the key recurring issues that arise in SIA, including those that may be considered "unsettling" or challenging.

In this module, explore the concept of social baselines and the critical role of data collection in understanding the social environment in which extractive impacts occur.

This module examines the concept of ‘theory of change’ thinking. Initially developed in the 1990s within the context of philanthropic giving, theory of change has since become a critical approach for the design and evaluation of development programs. This module explores the evolution of theory of change thinking, from its early origins to its contemporary use by international development agencies. Specifically, the module focuses on the role of theory of change in guiding the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on the approach taken by the UK Department for International Development (DfID).

This module provides an in-depth analysis of the concept of ‘community-controlled SIA’ and explore some of the challenges and opportunities associated with this practice. Through an exploration of key theoretical and practical aspects of community-controlled SIA, participants will gain a deep understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with this practice.

This module provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical issues of research ethics and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and their relationship to Social Impact Assessment (SIA). Research ethics and FPIC are integral components of effective SIA, providing a framework for ensuring that development projects are carried out in a manner that respects the rights and interests of affected communities.

This module explores the critical role of social impact monitoring programs in ensuring that Social Impact Assessment (SIA) remains relevant throughout the life of a project. Drawing on key foundations for SIA and theory of change thinking, participants will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to design and implement effective monitoring programs.